%%USERNAME%%    %%ACCWORDS%% %%ONOFF%% |
 |
Somedays I write about all I give to life, other days I write about nothing in particular. |
|
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** I am still all the things I was before, in "Invalid Item"  , only now I'd like to think I'm better at this journaling thing. I guess we'll see.Here goes nothing.... If you want to read this journal/blog in its entirety, you'll have to be a member, as I have a lot of the meaty entries set to members and above. |
Happy May day! I think as a kid, I did the flower basket on the front porch once, maybe twice, for friends or neighbors. I wonder if anyone does it anymore these days? Hm...maybe I'll pick up some stuff to make a basket or two today and surprise a couple friends!  Today is a meeting I have kind of been dreading. I can't really go into details, but its not going to be easy and I'm sure there will still be hard feelings when its all over. If you're the praying type, please pray for humility & grace for all of us! Today is also errand day with Kera, so I should probably go get my act together so we can get out the door in time. Ugh, sorry this entry is so boring, I just have nothing of interest to share with ya. Oh! I know I've said that before...I should go through my blog and count how many times I have said "I have nothing interesting to share"...any guesses out there? I just might give gps to the one who guesses correctly.  |
| So, today was the Riverbank Run. It's an annual walk/run race here done by the YMCA and almost everyone in the valley participates. It's a pretty big deal. They have a 10k, 5k and 1 mile, along with a tri-fecta for those ambitious souls (I'm usually a 5k-er). Its kind of cool. I've intended to do it for the last several years, but only getting so far as to register and pick up my packet. For some reason, the day of the race has always dawned to me or a kid or someone I'm going with being sick, resulting in me not going. Until today. I woke up with a headache and achey legs, but I decided I'd had enough putting it off and that this would be my year. I didn't feel too prepared since I didn't train much this past week, but I figured I'd walk the darn thing if I had to. Besides, my friend & running partner, Sonja, was waiting for me to pick her up, so I had to go.  I was sure that it would be hard, it seems like in our trianing that Sonja usually runs at a faster pace than I do, but I decided I'd try to stay with her for a good majority of the race. So we started, and there were so many walkers and runners that we started kind of slow, trying not to run over anyone and weaving around crowds. I've decided that forced slow start is a good thing. It counterbalances the competitive edge that wants you to start with all you got. I was amazed at how quickly the time passed and after getting some water at the 20 min mark, we came across a sign telling us we'd also just passed the 2 mile mark. I was amazed--we were running close to a 10 minute mile when in my treadmill running I'd only averaged a good 13 minute mile. When we passed a radio station's booth and they called out that we had about a mile left I knew I could finish strong--I still felt really good. So I kicked up my pace a little. Sonja told me to go ahead and so I did. When I passed some guys shouting that we had .4 left, I pushed it a little more. And when I got into the "finish chute" I moved my booty as fast as I could. And it paid off. I looked up at the clock as I crossed the finish line and I'm pretty sure it said something like 32 minutes!!! {Edited to add: I looked up my official time, and it was actually 31:17 I finished 23rd out of 60-some women in my age groupl}I was so amazed and exhilerated. I can't believe we ran it that fast. I haven't run a consistant 10 minute mile for years, so I'm hopeful now that I still have it in me. I'm also thinking that maybe I can actually do the half marathon in October that we're talking about doing. And mabye we'll do a 10k between now and then, too, just for fun! |
| I'm home safe & sound. I've also almost completely caught up with all the unpacking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping & kid affection thats necessary after even a long weekend away. That's all I have time to say right now! |
| I hope the mice will do alright. After I get the girls to their individual schools tomorrow morning, I'm hitting the road. I'll be spending an extended weekend in the thriving metropolis of Boise, Idaho, hanging out with and catching up on the lives of some great girlfriends from my college days. Did I mention that I'm going alone?! Yep. I'm finally getting some me time, some girl time, some adult time! I deserve it after the week that Erik left me alone in March and the one he'll leave me again in May. The funny thing is that, because I am leaving town, his parents are actually driving down here to get the girls tomorrow and take them up to their place for the weekend. He'll meet them up there later, but its just funny to me. He leaves town and I have to beg them to take them. I leave town and they are rushing down here to "save the day". Not really like that, its just that Erik works everyday, all day and the girls dont have child care that much. Just goes to show how much I do around here! I'm looking forward to some good food, some shopping and lots of great talking and just plain ol' hanging out. It should be great. I haven't seen some of my friends for a while--several years, so ti'll be good. I still haven't figured out the route I'm taking however. The weather here has turned cold and wet and so I'm torn between two ways. One is shorter in the mileage department, but its a two lane highway winding through the moutnains that could be slow if I get behind a slow truck or the weather turns poor. Its also a gorgeous drive, follows teh Snake river for quite a ways. THe other route is all interstate, but adds about 200 miles. There is no real pass to speak of and since its interstate it runs through decent sized towns/cities with great stopping options and populations. Its not an ugly drive by any means, either. Erik thinks I should take the longer distance one, just because it'll be safer if there's snow and if there's not it could be quicker since its interstate all the way. I think I'll check the road reports in the morning and make my decision then. Well, I gotta shower and get to bed so I can be well rested for my little trip. Oh, and I am not bringing my laptop, so I probably won't be online much, if any while I'm gone, so I'll "see" ya'll on Monday or Tuesday! |
| Anyone who regularly reads my blog will know that I rarely comment on politics or other news items, but today I feel like I should at least mention the tragedy at Virginia Tech. I have so many thoughts running through my head about it, that its been hard for me to nail down exactly how I feel. I was reading something on MSN about some of the victims and I found myself tearing up--that is a very, very sad part of the whole thing. But then I started thinking about the shooter's family, how sad and hurt and angry and confused they must be. How sad it is that he was so hopeless & angry that he felt like these actions were his only option! I can't even imagine that. One thing I keep going back to, though, is the idea that something good has to come from this, somehow, sometime. That is hard to believe with something so horrible, but I think I've found one way that can happen. This kind of tragedy can happen anywhere and anytime. It doesn't matter where we live, none of us is completely sheltered. But instead of living in fear and worry, we can decide to live fully and not take anything for granted. Today I am focusing on not taking my loved ones or the time I spend with them for granted, but I'm going to make the most of all of it. So those are my thoughts, for now at least. Now its time to go do crafts with the girls and watch a movie. |
| I wish I had something, anything of interest happening in my life that I could write about, that you would even want to read about. But, I don't. It is actually going pretty well, so I feel like I have no drama or headaches or excitement to share with you. So I decided I'd fill out a survey. 1. What would your name be if you married your favorite star? My name would still be Kendra, no matter who I married. But if I married my favorite star, my last name would be McConahey. Like I've said before, he's really quite handsome.  2. What type and color of shoes are you wearing? Today I'm wearing my black boots, though I don't have them on at this moment. I decided that sandal weather is right around the corner and so I'd better wear my boots while I can. Zipping them up I wondered if my calves would get bigger or smaller as a result of my soon-to-be half-marathon training and I worried a bit that they'd get bigger, then my boots would be too small on my calves. 3. What did you eat for dinner last night? Last night for dinner, I made a new recipe with ham, macaroni, cheese, veggies and cream of mushroom soup. It was an attempt to use up leftover ham from Easter dinner without having to buy any new ingredients. I found the recipe on www.recipezaar.com which is a great site for recipes. Turns out everyone really liked it, myself included, so it'll probably be added to my personal recipe collection. 4. Where was the last restaurant or fast food place you ate out at? Last week after gymnastics, the girls and I met Erik for lunch at a place in town called Mackenzie River Pizza Company. They have really ifferent types of pizzas, but we ordered regular ol' half pepperoni, half hawaiian and it tasted wonderful. 5. Do you believe in Karma? My friend Brandy whom I got this survey from, answered, "I believe in God and He has a way of making things work out the way they should." I like her answer and think I'll keep it for my own. 6. If you were a vehicle, what would you be? Well I probably would be a four door subaru with four wheel drive, even though I'd want to be a Blue Ford Mustang. 7. How is the weather right now? Sunny, maybe 50's. Its typical spring in Montana. The tulips & daffodils are blooming-er, starting to- and there is still snow on the mountains and some days in the air mixed with the rain. The sun warms it up but there is still a chill in the wind. Its beautiful. 8. Last person you spoke to on the phone? The lady from my salon who calls to remind me of my wax appointment every month. Did I ever tell you about the facial that I splurged on a couple weeks ago there? My estetician is amazing and that facial was almost as relaxing and luxurious as a massage. I highly recommend them, they are worth every penny! 9. What was the last thing you looked up on the internet? Boringly, my email. is that even a word, "boringly" Anyway, yesterday I gave up my most recent addiction, otherwise my answer to this question would've most likely been my myspace.  10. Who was the last person you got into an argument with? Lindsay, sort of. She's at work with me and had pulled out a couple of blankets and pillows off the couch to play with the dogs. But after she made Gidget yelp, I told her she was done and that she needed to put the blankets & pillows away but she whined about being too tired. I just noticed that they are still on the floor, so it looks like I lost that argument. 11. What do you want to be different in your life by this time next year? I want to be in better shape--all this running had better do something for my figure. I want to be doing something else work-wise or maybe I'll be finishing up massage school. I want to be desperately in love with Erik, not just "in love". I want to feel creative and get a little of my poets brain back. 12. Would you rather have a house cleaner or cook? House Cleaner, for sure. I saw an ad for Merry maids the other night on tv and it made me wish they were more affordable than they are. I mean, I'm mostly a stay at home mom, it would be pretty ridiculous for me to pay someone else to clean my house! But it sure would free up my time! Imagine all the scrapbooking I'd get done if I didn't have to clean.... 13. Would you rather be 4ft tall or 7ft tall? 4 ft tall, because I'd rather be shorter than Erik as opposed to taller than him. That would just be awkward. That is an awkward word, "awkward"--did I even spell it right?! 14. What is your favorite thing about yourself? Right now it would be my hair. Its really long--longer than I've ever kept it and I love getting compliments on it when I actually style it. But it feels really superficial to say that so maybe I should say that I really like that I am reliable and dedicated. 15. What is on your night stand next to your bed? A box of kleenix, a lamp, lip balm, hand lotion and foot lotion, my journal, a pen, and a pile of books. Usually that pile of books is really large, but I recently finished a reading marathon and haven't restocked it yet. 16. When was the last time you watched the sun rise? One morning this week I was up before it rose, so I got to kind of watch it from the couch while drinking my coffee and having some quiet time, but I can't honestly remember the last time I literally just sat and watched the sunrise. 17. What is your favorite holiday? I really like my birthday. 18. What CD is in your car stereo right now? Nickelback's "All the Right Reasons". I go through stages with my music and right now I'm on a Nickelback kick. I listen to it over and over again, singing along with every word I know. I'm pathetic. 19. What color is your living room couch? I have two. One is a sort of green leather and the wrap around is cream with little specks of other colors. They are both hand-me-downs. We haven't had to buy one piece of new furniture, really, in our whole marriage. Our parents just keep giving us hand me downs, which happen to be in great shape. 20. What is the oldest thing in your freezer? Chocolate Chips. I keep them in there to keep from eating them all "raw" and to keep them fresher longer, but mainly it just keeps me from remembering I even have them and so I dont even think about baking! 21. Do you like to gamble? Not really. I've been to Vegas a couple of times and at first it was sort of exciting to take that roll of quarters and plunk them in the machine, but when I didn't win it back, I decided that I'd rather spend that $10 on something more tangible. 22. What are your favorite potato chips? I really like the lime flavored tostitos, but my favorite is Doritos Cool Ranch and has been since I can remember. I don't ever buy them except maybe on a road trip, so its extra special when I eat them. Hmmm I may ahve to buy some on my road trip next week! 23. Who have you known the longest that you are sending this to? I'm not sending this to anyone. I don't even know who will read it. Which one of you have I known the longest? 24. If you could be any animal, what would you be? I'd love to fly, so it would be cool to be a bird, but at the same time I've always really liked cats and my sleep, so I'd probably be a cat--a spoiled stuck up house cat. 25. What was the longest you've ever been in a hospital (if ever)? Two or three nights after having Lindsay & Kera. 26. Describe yourself in one word: Me. 27. If you won $10,000 today, what would you spend it on? I'd get all the newest scrapbook things I've been drooling over, including a desk/storage set. I'd put some in the girs' savings. I'd go shopping for just me. I'd buy a new digital camera. And I'd plan a trip to Hawaii or Europe. 28. If you knew you were going to die in 1 year, what would you do? I'd make the most of every moment, spending time with all the people I love. I'd read all the books I could. I'd eat whatever I wanted and I'd go to all the places I really want to visit. 29. Watch the movie or read the book? I like to do both--preferably the book before the movie because usually the book is way better than the movie. I think the last book/movie I experienced was Eragon, and now that I've seen the movie I really dont want to exert the energy it would take to read that large of a book. 30. Do you LOVE filling these things out? I don't LOVE it (why the shouting?), but I do enjoy a good survey every once in a while, yes. Can't you tell?! |
| I must've gotten a doozy of a virus--I already took my tower in once over the weekend, got it back yesterday and hooked it up this morning to find its still not working correctly. So I sent it back down today to be formatted & reloaded and that should fix it. But in the meantime i'm without a computer at work, except for when I can use my mother's when she's not in her office, but those time frames are few and short, so I'm basically worthless. I do have some non-computer work I can get done, but then when I'm finished I think today will be a clean out my desk & dust day! |
| So now that "Invalid Item" is over, once again I'm back to inconsistent, boring blogging...honestly, sometimes I wonder why I even have a blog! I dont even have anything worthy of mention going on in my life right now. I mean, sure I'm busy, but you really dont want to hear all that stuff, do ya? Oh, you do?! Okay, well, lets see, what have I been up to lately... -potty training Kera. She's hit or miss, mostly miss, but she's getting the idea and gets so excited when she actually goes in her little potty that I'm hopeful for the process to go quickly. Any tips from seasoned moms would be great though, because she refuses to go in anything but the small training chair--how do you transition the kid to the big potty!? -Running. I'm putting major miles on my treadmill and watching it wear out in the process. I'm gonna have to bite the bullet and buy a new one or new used one pretty soon. I'm trainign for a 5k run here in about a month (the Riverbank Run) and then a friend and I have decided to train fo the half marathon that usually happens here in October, so I'm really focused on running right now. It is so cool because I'm finally getting past the "out of breath must stop" stages and reaching the "runners high" that I've missed for so long, so I'm quite happy about that. -spending fun time with Erik and the girls. We've refocused our priorities on our marriage and family so we've been spending more time together, which has been great. Last weekend it was so nice out that Erik took us over to where he rides four wheelers. He took turns driving the girls around, we threw rocks in the river and he gave us a little tour of all the places where all of his friends have wrecked their atvs! It was fun.Thats all the good things, there is a ton of stressful stuff going on too,but I just dont feel like getting into it, so I won't.  Besides, I need to get to work! |
| Otherwise known as: "Kendra according to www.blogthings.com"  My English Skills: Grammar: 100% Punctuation: 80% Spelling: 60% Vocabulary: 40% I Would Do Most Things For Love. You are willing to go pretty far for love - but not far enough to compromise your core values. Love is a priority for you, and you'll go further than most people to hold on to someone you love. But killing for love? Or even taking a bullet? Probably out of the question. No matter what, you love yourself the most! I am a 56% Tortured Genius. You are very smart and a little bit tortured. Like a tortured genius in training. You're brilliant enough to see how screwed up the world is. Just don't let it screw you up! I Am Jelly Beans For you, Easter is all about fun and sweet treats. None of that Jesus dying on a cross stuff! I Am Not Scary Everyone loves you. Isn't that sweet? What Famous Pinup am I? I am Betty Grable The ulitmate girl next door. You're the perfect girl for most guys. Pretty yet approachable. Beautiful yet real. I am From Jupiter . You are exuberantly curious - and you love to explore newness. Enthusiastic and optimistic, you get a kick out of stimulating intellectual discussions. Foreign cultures and languages fascinate you. You love the outdoors, animals, and freedom. Chances are you tend to exaggerate, so try to keep a lid on that. If you do, you'll continue to be known for your confidence, generosity, and sense of justice I Am 58% American. Most times you are proud to be an American. Though sometimes the good ole US of A makes you cringe Still, you know there's no place better suited to be your home. You love your freedom and no one's going to take it away from you! My Sketchiness Factor. You are 24% Sketchy My Famous Last Words Will Be: "Nice doggy." What Kendra Means: K is for Kind E is for Extraordinary N is for Naughty D is for Delicate R is for Rare A is for Astounding I Am 40% Gross. You're a tad gross, but generally you're a clean, hygienic person. No one can be perfectly clean all the time, and it's better to be human than a neat freak. I am 30% Evil A bit of evil lurks in your heart, but you hide it well. In some ways, you are the most dangerous kind of evil. I am 64% Pure. Well, you're not exactly an angel - but you're pretty darn close. But chances are, you have a couple juicy secrets deep in your closet. A response to "Invalid Entry" for "Invalid Item" |
AL  asks which "celebrity" in the world I would want to spend the day with...This is actually quite hard! If I wasn't married I would have to say I'd love to spend the day with Matthew McConahey. He is easily the hottest man alive (after my husband, of course) and only because of that I'd pick him. But I'm married and so I thought I should probably pick a celebrity with some other redeeming quality besides their rock hard abs and steamy good looks, so I thought about Oprah. I think she does some really great things and has a really entertaining show, and usually picks decent books for her book club, so it might be interesting to spend a day with her. But then I thought about how I'd probably get much more out of time spent with a successful writer--someone that I could really gain some insight and inspiration from. So I decided that I'd like to spend the day with Denise Levertov. She is one of my most favorite poets, and she died in 1997, so to spend a day with her would be pretty special. She wrote like twenty books of poetry that included everything from antiwar to religious poetry. I love how she uses words to paint pictures and how she doesn't hold to one form or another. Here's a link to some of her poetry: http://www.angelfire.com/psy/litplay/levertov.html So, I'd choose the spend the day with her. I'm sure it would be inspiring and interesting. It really would be cool to just be able to sit down and talk to her over a cup of tea about the poetic process and inspirations and methods and all that poetry stuff. Time spent with her would probably be the most benefitial of time spent with many other "celebrities". A response to "Invalid Entry" for "Invalid Item" |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
Glad to know everything's good with you.
Yay! Congratulations!
And just when I had my hopes up after seeing